DefinePK

Abstract

Background and Aim: Volcanic ash is a material released by volcanic eruptions. It contains high composition of silica and alumina which can be used as ceramic membrane material for clean water production. Clean water is one of the most important natural resources for human life and health. The clean water production using volcanic ash based ceramic membrane is constrained by its low mechanical strength. To overcome the problem, in this research, ceramic membrane material from volcanic ash-chitosan composite is studied for obtaining stronger ceramic membrane. Materials and Methods: Volcanic ash consists of silica dioxide (SiO2) 48.23%, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) 18.40%, ferro oxide (Fe2O3) 18.45%, calcium oxide (CaO) 4.51% and the other remaining compounds. The ceramic membranes were casted via molding and calcination process. The ceramic supports were then coated with various concentration of chitosan (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%). The composite ceramic membranes were characterized by particle size distribution analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results: Membrane characteristics were influenced by material composition and mixing homogeneity, the greater ash composition in the ceramic membrane matrix significantly increased the permeate flux and the membrane porosity was directly proportional to the thrust force which is given in the calcination process at 1100°C, Conclusion: This study produced composite ceramic membranes with chitosan which have excellent stability in water. This is indicated by the resulting membrane mechanical performance that is not damaged during application and the membranes have porosity, structure and mechanical integrity that can be applied for water treatment to produce clean water.